Removal of Derelict Fishing Gear from Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Shipwrecks
Atlantic Region; 2006
The purpose of this project was to remove derelict fishing gear entangled on a historic shipwreck and assess and remove derelict gear on a recently sunken fishing vessel, both of which are located in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Both shipwrecks will be designated as a public dive sites, therefore, it is essential that NOAA make these sites safe to dive on. In particular, the derelict fishing gear detracts from the historic shipwrecks aesthetics.
This project removed hazards to divers and to marine life from derelict fishing gear and increased awareness about the hazards of derelict fishing gear by partnering with regional NOAA offices. Derelict net was successfully removed from the windlass of the historic wreck, thus accomplishing the primary goal of the project. The secondary goal, to assess the entanglement risk posed by derelict nets on a nearby sunken fishing vessel, was unfortunately not accomplished due to poor weather.
This program is housed within NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and is funded through NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response & Restoration, Marine Debris Program.
